The old man was startled and full wroth yet, by reason of all the fine folk about us, he was bound to refrain himself, and he presently departed.

The festival went forward and I saw that Herdegen danced first with Ursula and then with Ann.  Then they stood still near the flower shrubs which were placed round about the hall to garnish it, and it might have been weened from their demeanor that they had quarrelled and had come to high words.  I would fain have gone to them, but the Queen had bid me stay with her and never ceased asking me a hundred questions as to names and other matters.

At last, or ever it was midnight, their Majesties departed.  I breathed more freely, put my hand on my Hans’ arm, and was minded to bid him take me to Herdegen and speak out my mind, but my brother, as it fell, prevented me.  He came up to me and with what a mien!  His eyes flashing, his cheeks burning, his lips tight-set.  He signed to me and Hans to follow whither he went, and then passionately besought us that we would depart from the dance for a while with him and his sweetheart, that was Ann.  Such an entreaty amazed us greatly, yet, when he told us that she would go no whither with him save under our care, and that everything depended on his learning this very hour how he stood with her, we did his will.  And he likewise told us that he had not indeed given his word that morning to my grand-uncle and Jost Tetzel, but had only pledged his word that he would give them his answer next day.

So presently Hans and I stole out behind the pair, out into the road.  I, for my part, was well content and thankful and, when we beheld them accuse and answer each other right doughtily, we laughed, and were agreed that Aunt Jacoba’s counsel had led to a good issue; and I told my Hans that I should myself take a lesson from all this and let the smart Junkers and Knights make love to me to their hearts’ content, if ever I should be moved to play him a right foolish trick.

Presently, when we had many times paced the road to and fro the Pernharts’ house, Ann was minded to knock at the door; but behold she was saved the pains.  Mistress Henneleinlein just then came out whereas she had been helping Dame Giovanna to tend the sick grandmother.  The lantern Eppelein carried in front of us was not so bright as the sun, yet could I see full plainly the old woman’s venomous eye; and what high dudgeon sounded in her voice!  Each one had his meed, even my Hans, to whom she cried:  “Keep thy bride out of Porro’s way, Master Haller.  It ill-beseems the promised wife of a worshipful Councillor to be casting her lot in with a Fool!  Howbeit, to laugh is better than to weep, and he laughs longest who laughs last!” And thereupon she herself laughed loudly and, with a scornful nod to Ann, turned her back on us.